removing factory numbers

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have several Stewart hoppers that I plan on renumbering. I know there are lots of techniques to remove the factory applied lettering/numbers. Anybody have any advice for which technique to begin with?

Has anyone put together a public file that identifies manufacturers and what solvents to use as well as which ones not to use? Just an idea.

Thanks

Seth Gartner
Charlotte, NC

2

Hi Seth;

Most manufactures, including Stewart, paint the numbers on with the same kind of paint as they paint the rest of the car.

I would start with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol on a cotton swab using firm rubbing. This one of the least expensive things to try. Next comes Pine Sol (original straight up), then commercial paint removers from your local hobby store.

3

[#ditto]

4

I’ve found that a common pencil erasure works really well, just erase what you don’t want. Usually does a fine job of just removing the numbers. Be gentle.

5

Does this method work for a Lifelike Santa Fe E6 loco? I want to change the number 15 to 14. I have the decal sheet for Santa Fe E6’s. Larry in Blaine WA

6

Does this method work for a Lifelike Santa Fe E6 loco? I want to change the number 15 to 14. I have the decal sheet for Santa Fe E6’s. Larry in Blaine WA

7

I have found that Polly-s Easy Lift off works (be carefull) also Acrysol from Kent. Be gentle with both of these they will attack the paint if you are over zealous

8

be EXTREMELY careful with Kato shells! Don’t use brake fluid (the old standby), or Easy lift off. the plastic Kato uses seems to be a Styrene/ABS hybrid and will react badly and get soft/gummy or crumble - this is the voice of experience so please take heed!
Pine sol seems to work ok with no bad results so far
by the way, Delrin handrails - if you sandblast them before painting them (I use scalecoat with an airbrush) they don’t chip.

9

You could try using a small ink eraser. They seem to have a very fine grit in them and don’t tear up the underlying paint.

10

Thanks for the warning. I have a Kato E8 that is getting stripped soon. Would something like Castrol Super Clean work? I’ve used it on other shells with no problems…but never a Kato. I’m a bit nervous now.

11

I use Acetic Ester.
Erwin

12

Seth,

I’ve used this very method myself and have had great results.

Tom

13

I would be real careful using 91% alcohol on an Accurail painted car. Start with a small amount on a Q-Tip on the underside of the car or someplace you would weather over. A better choice might be 70% alcohol, it might take a bit more rubbing, but you can still remove the numbers.